Group Decision Tip: Us Over Me

In principle, the most likely path for a group to be highly productive, happy, and endure over generations is for individuals to put group needs over individual needs.

In western culture we receive many messages that encourage us to put self first, the most likely path to short term gain. In a me-first culture individuals prevail but groups, communities, and species die. Good group decisions require an attitude of us over me.

Practical Tip: In group decision making, be thoughtful about how a decision affects the group as a whole. Whatever would be best for the group, work on that path, vote that way. Consider broad impacts of decisions to other communities and into the future. Apply humility.

Group Decision Tips are written by NCDD member Craig Freshley, a long-time meeting facilitator and group process author. Craig invites NCDDers to view all his Tips at www.groupdecisiontips.com, and to share them freely for non-commercial purposes with proper credit to Craig.